‘The Rookie’ Creator Alexi Hawley Extends Overall Deal With Lionsgate TV, as His Drama Project ‘The Envoy’ Moves to HBO Max

Alexi Hawley, the creator of the popular TV series "The Rookie," has extended his overall agreement with Lionsgate Television. This multi-year contract will allow Hawley to continue developing and expanding the "Rookie" franchise, as well as other creative projects. Lionsgate Television Group chair and chief creative officer Kevin Beggs praised Hawley's ability to create enduring franchises with relatable characters and stories that resonate with audiences.

Hawley first signed with Lionsgate in 2024 as "The Rookie" became a hit on broadcast television, amassing over 12.8 billion minutes of viewing in the first half of 2026. The ninth season of "The Rookie" is set to premiere on ABC in early 2027, alongside a new spinoff titled "The Rookie: North," starring Jay Ellis. Hawley is also attached as showrunner for the spinoff.

In addition to his work on "The Rookie" franchise, Hawley is developing a new hostage-recovery series called "The Envoy" for HBO Max. Inspired by a May 2024 Vanity Fair article by Adam Ciralsky about Roger Carstens, a presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the series will be executive produced by Hawley, Ciralsky, and Gene Klein, along with the journalist Carstens.

Hawley expressed his excitement about continuing his partnership with Lionsgate Television, emphasizing their shared commitment to creating compelling and emotionally engaging stories. His other "Rookie" spinoff, "The Rookie: Feds," had a one-season run on ABC before being canceled by the network. Hawley, who is represented by The Shuman Company and Hansen Jacobsen Teller, has also worked with Netflix on "The Recruit," which was cancelled after two seasons.